Cours Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Cours - Essay Example Reduced weight increases fuel consumption efficiency and reduces the amount of carbon compounds produced (Das 2001, 1). Reducing the weight of a vehicle by about 100kgs would lead to a reduction of about 0.3 to 0.4 liters of fuel per 100km (Yu & Dean 2006, 580). For example, the Ford Explorer model by Ford has a scratch resistance and corrosion proof cargo area made from integrated liners and side panels, reducing the vehicle’s weight by up to 20% compared to its conventional metal model. In addition, using composites makes it possible to reduce the number of parts required in fabrication of vehicles, compared to use of steel or aluminum (Calister 2007, 582). This leads to achievement of high volume composite concept in vehicle manufacturing, which leads to increased cost effectiveness. The use of natural based fibre has further improved fibre applications in the vehicle industry. Natural fibres are environmentally sustainable to use compared to metals. These fibres are proces sed from natural plants, making them biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Currently, natural fibres are mostly used in making of seat liners, equipment panels, carpets, among other applications in vehicles (Riaz 2012, 9). Natural fibres such as jute, sisal, hemp, and kenaf offer good acoustic properties to vehicles, high stability, less splintering in case of accidents, and reduced forging behavior compared to metals (Sanadi et al 1994, 469). Through the use of fibre reinforced composites, many parts of different shapes can be produced with much ease, and at high speed compared to use of metallic materials. The ability to configure and produce complex shapes inexpensively makes the use of polymers to considerably reduce the cost of a vehicle, making them more affordable to customers. Composites offer increased stiffness, toughness, and strength over structural metal alloys. These superior properties come along with vehicle